Association demands sign
language expert on job panel
PANAJI
The association made the demand on the occasion of the World Deaf Day, to allow hearing-impaired candidates, who are otherwise in good health, a fair opportunity in government jobs.
The Goa Association of The Deaf demanded that the government include a sign language expert on interview panels which selects candidates to fill vacancies in government posts.
Highlighting the issues faced by hearing-impaired persons in Goa, Vinod Satarkar, secretary of the four year-old Association, stated, \"Hearing-impaired individuals are facing hurdles while applying for employment, voting card, driving licence and other facilities which are extended to them as a matter of right.\"
Satarkar also informed that the 500-member Association has petitioned the chief minister, department of social welfare and minister of social welfare on numerous occasions in the past seeking to draw their attention to the specific issues of this disabled community. Of these, only the department responded, but had failed to act on its assurance.
Pointing out that the existing 3 per cent reservation for the disabled safeguarded by a central government law, Satarkar said, \"Of this 3 per cent, one per cent each is reserved for the visually-impaired, hearing-impaired and physically disabled. Yet, this breakdown is ignored by most recruitment drives.”
The Association was formed in 2011 with the sole aim of working for the empowerment of the hearing-impaired community in Goa.
